In today’s episode, we begin a two-part interview with Jonathan Mosen, an advocate, technology professional, internet radio broadcaster, and podcaster. In this first part, originally recorded in 2022, we get to know Jonathan by hearing about his experiences growing up in New Zealand, his time at the school for the blind, and his work with two of the leading blindness technology companies, HumanWare and Freedom Scientific.

We also explore Jonathan’s determination to make opportunities happen, including his strong desire to work in the radio field. As Jonathan recalls:

“We used to have, at the Foundation for the Blind as it was called then, these career counselors, and one of them told me that radio was not a career that was viable for blind people anymore, and this is the ’80s, because radio was becoming a lot more computerized and the computer technology wasn’t accessible. And so I refused to accept this. I really wanted to work in radio, and I thought I could do a good job. So I decided that I would just have to make it happen for myself.”

We’ll also hear this key piece of advice from Jonathan:

“The one opportunity you definitely won’t get is the opportunity that you don’t go for.”

Stay tuned for Part 2, where we’ll hear about the changes in Jonathan’s life since this interview was recorded, including his new role with the National Federation of the Blind.

Interviewer: Robert Evans

Produced and edited by: Cameron Scott and Cullen Gallagher

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